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General discussion

fed up w/pc..want to switch to mac-use as gatekeeper-advice?

Sep 20, 2006 1:16AM PDT

I am fed up w/spending too much time & money fixing computers (home only and inlaws) just to put $100 in software and it does it again. sftwre doesn't work but caused problems.

i am thinking of getting a mac, quicksilver, and using it to access the internet, mp3 downloads, digital camera stuff and linking the pc laptop and pc to the mac, so my husband can still use his laptop (haven't had problems with the laptop...maybe my problems are coming thru em?) and i can still do the taxes.

does this sound plausible?
can I network them? i have a wireless router which has helped in keeping crap out?

you advice appreciated! used macs in past for years for admin stuff, but understand tech pretty good.

thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Discussion is locked

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Not a problem
Sep 20, 2006 1:31AM PDT

Just connect the Mac to the router, using an ethernet cable as the wireless option is a little expensive for that machine(besides that, it is faster), and the remainder of the computers can continue to access the internet via the wireless side of the router.
The Mac will NOT be sharing its internet connection with anyone because you are using a router. Each machine has its own dedicated line into the router, whether it be ethernet cable or Wireless.
You are right about the router, it does act as a firewall against some stuff.

Once the Mac is in place and working, all you need to do is allow access from, and to, the PC's. They are already networked to the Mac, and each other, by virtue of the Router.

Your experience with a Mac sounds very pre-OS X, a lot has changed since then. Mac sure you have at least OS X 10.3.9, preferably 10.4.x. Feed some more RAM into that G4 and enjoy.

Let us know how you get on

P

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thanks....
Sep 20, 2006 1:36AM PDT

you are awesome! and right, i haven't been on macs for a while.

my intention is to stop accessing the internet via the pc desktop, but still access using the laptop and mac but have them networked so if i want to exchange documents (hoping via drag and drop) simple stuff, music, picts word docs, i can.

and start using mac for the mail system. do you think i will come into the same corruption problems with the mac? and do you see any holes in my theory?

thanks so much! cj

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No holes
Sep 20, 2006 11:35AM PDT

The drag and drop thing will work very well once you have the PC/laptop/Mac all networked together.

You should not see any corruption when you use the Mac for Mail and surfing.
The PC's will still need the AV stuff though.
See Bob's excellent comments further down this thread.

Remember that even though you will not be surfing with the PC, it will still be connected to the internet, 24/7, and vulnerable to those backdoor lurkers.

You'll like OS X

P

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About that gatekeeper comment.
Sep 20, 2006 1:39AM PDT

The Apple will be what it is and will not be a gatekeeper to keep the PC safe in some way.

I've written about this a lot but how can we help those that must use Internet Explorer on a PC? It and Outlook (all versions) are common infection paths so how to stop the use of these?

Bob

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but i am using the mac
Sep 20, 2006 9:52AM PDT

for the em and surfing...then i should be safe.

where can i find your articles on this?

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You'll be fine.
Sep 20, 2006 10:09AM PDT